Broken Bone Injuries

Bone fractures ranging from simple breaks to complex compound fractures

Settlement Value Overview

Average Settlement
$50,000 - $75,000
Multiplier Range
2x - 4x economic damages
Minor Cases
$10,000 - $25,000
Severe Cases
$100,000 - $500,000+

Overview

Broken bones (fractures) are common in car accidents, falls, and other traumatic incidents. Unlike soft tissue injuries, fractures are clearly visible on X-rays, making them easier to prove in personal injury claims. The settlement value depends largely on the type and location of the fracture, the treatment required, and whether there are lasting complications.

Fractures range from simple hairline cracks to severe compound fractures requiring multiple surgeries. The more complex the fracture and treatment, the higher the potential settlement value.

Common Symptoms

Intense pain at the injury site
Swelling and bruising
Visible deformity or misalignment
Difficulty moving the affected limb
Grinding sensation when moving
Numbness or tingling
Inability to bear weight
Bone protruding through skin (compound fracture)

Common Causes

Car and motorcycle accidentsSlip and fall accidentsSports injuriesWorkplace accidentsPedestrian accidentsBicycle accidentsPhysical assaults

Diagnosis and Treatment

Fractures are diagnosed through X-rays, CT scans, or MRI (for stress fractures). Treatment depends on the fracture type:

Conservative Treatment:

Casting or splinting for simple fractures
Immobilization for 4-8 weeks
Physical therapy after healing

Surgical Treatment:

Open reduction internal fixation (ORIF): Surgery to realign bones using plates, screws, or rods
External fixation: Metal pins outside the body for severe fractures
Bone grafting: For fractures that won't heal
Joint replacement: For severe joint fractures

Complications requiring additional treatment include:

Non-union (bones don't heal)
Malunion (bones heal incorrectly)
Infection (especially in compound fractures)
Nerve or blood vessel damage
Compartment syndrome (emergency)

Recovery Timeline

Recovery Timeline by Fracture Type:

Simple arm/wrist fracture: 6-8 weeks
Leg fracture: 8-12 weeks
Complex fractures with surgery: 3-6 months
Multiple fractures: 6-12 months
Full recovery including PT: 6-12 months after bone healing

Age, overall health, fracture location, and whether surgery is required all affect recovery time.

Factors Affecting Settlement Value

Type and severity of fracture (simple vs. compound)
Location of fracture (leg fractures typically worth more than arm)
Whether surgery was required
Need for hardware (plates, screws, rods)
Length of immobilization and disability
Physical therapy requirements
Permanent limitations or disfigurement
Scarring from surgery
Future surgeries needed (hardware removal)
Lost wages during recovery

Documentation Tips to Maximize Your Claim

Get all imaging studies (X-rays, CT scans) as evidence
Photograph visible injuries and surgical scars
Keep records of all medical treatment and bills
Document work missed and lost income
Get written restrictions from your doctor
Track physical therapy progress
Note any permanent limitations after recovery
Document hardware placement for future removal claims

Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI)

For fractures, MMI is typically reached when:

The bone has fully healed (confirmed by X-ray)
Physical therapy has restored maximum function
Any permanent limitations have been documented
Future surgery needs (like hardware removal) are known

Important: Wait until you know if you'll need follow-up surgery before settling.

Potential Long-Term Effects

Chronic pain at the fracture site
Arthritis in affected joints
Limited range of motion
Permanent scarring from surgery
Limb length discrepancy
Sensitivity to weather changes
Need for future surgery (hardware removal)
Increased risk of re-fracture

Frequently Asked Questions

Does surgery automatically increase my settlement value?

Yes, surgery typically increases settlement value significantly because it involves higher medical costs, longer recovery, scarring, and often permanent hardware. Surgical cases routinely settle for 2-3x more than non-surgical fractures.

What if my fracture doesn't heal properly?

Non-union (failure to heal) or malunion (healing in wrong position) can substantially increase your settlement as they may require additional surgery and result in permanent limitations. Document these complications thoroughly.

Should I include future hardware removal in my claim?

Absolutely. If there's a possibility you'll need surgery to remove plates, screws, or rods in the future, this should be included in your settlement calculation. Get your doctor to document this likelihood.

Related Injury Guides

Soft Tissue

Injuries to muscles, tendons, and ligaments including sprains, strains, and tears

Read Guide

Back Injury

Injuries to the spine including herniated discs, fractures, and spinal cord damage

Read Guide

TBI

Brain injuries ranging from concussions to severe traumatic brain damage

Read Guide

Disclaimer: This guide is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical or legal advice. Settlement values are estimates based on typical cases and vary significantly. Always consult with healthcare providers for medical decisions and a licensed attorney for legal advice specific to your situation.

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Broken Bone Settlement Guide | Fracture Injury Compensation | SettlementCalcUSA